Holiday Survival Guide – Chappy Style

I know that this can be a difficult time for people. Family histories are hard, feeling alone and end of the year stuff brings judgements and other negative feelings. I get my dose around New Year’s after all the fun of Christmas dies down and I am left with my thoughts, doubts and self flagellation.

Here are some things that may seem corny but help:

Be Present. Leave the phone in the kitchen drawer and take a break from the Jones’s

Wrap your loved ones in hugs

Send peace in the form of cards and notes to everyone you know

Donate food, clothes and anything you can afford, including time, to those who’s holiday might be in jeopardy or thin

Make sharing your love the priority not your disagreements

Be your own light in every room

When the gloom sets in, recognize it for what it is and say hello for me. Know it will pass. Make yourself make a coffee date with a close friend (I’m free) and get out in the fresh air. I have been known to throw a party as a F’you to the gloom.. works sometimes. Try it.